Judges 2:11-12
And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. And they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the LORD to anger.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The plural "Baalim" here isn't just about worshipping different idols; it suggests they embraced a whole pantheon of "lords," chasing after every kind of power and authority besides the true Lord. This hints at a deeper craving for control and security that drove them away from God's simple provision.
This verse marks a stark turning point immediately following Joshua's death and the generation that followed him. After inheriting the Promised Land and serving God under Joshua, this new generation had never personally experienced God's mighty acts, leading them to embrace the idolatrous practices of the surrounding Canaanites, worshiping various "Baals" or "lords." This act of spiritual betrayal sets the stage for the cycle of oppression and deliverance that defines the book of Judges.
This phrase appears repeatedly in Judges, marking a turning point. What makes an action 'evil in the LORD's sight' and why is it so serious for Israel?
The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD" isn't just a moral judgment; it signifies a rejection of God's covenant and authority. For Israel, living in the land God had given them, this was particularly egregious.
A Covenantal Breach
God's relationship with Israel was a covenant, a solemn agreement. Their actions weren't just personal failings; they were a betrayal of their promises to God. This phrase highlights the public and relational aspect of their sin – it was an affront to God who was watching and had chosen them.
The God Who Sees
Commentators emphasize that God's presence was uniquely with Israel. They knew He was watching. This knowledge intensified their sin, making it an act of open defiance and contempt rather than ignorance. They were sinning with God's eye upon them.
The text uses the plural 'Baalim' instead of a singular god. What does this tell us about the nature of the worship Israel adopted?
The worship of 'Baalim' (plural) points to a syncretistic and decentralized form of idolatry that infiltrated Israel. 'Baal' itself means 'lord' or 'master,' and it was a title applied to numerous local deities, often associated with fertility, weather, and rulership.
A Pantheon of 'Lords'
Israel didn't just adopt one foreign god; they embraced a system of worshipping multiple local deities. These gods had various names and functions, often tied to specific regions or aspects of nature. This created a confusing spiritual landscape where God's unique sovereignty was replaced by a multitude of competing 'lords.'
Seductive and Sensual Worship
Baal worship was known for its appeal to nature's splendor and often involved sensual, orgiastic rituals. This made it highly attractive to the Israelites, especially as they settled among the Canaanites, offering a stark contrast to the covenantal demands of the LORD.
Understand the original words
ra' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Moral or ethical wickedness that is offensive or disagreeable to God's standard of holiness and character.
Ba'al · Hebrew Noun
A false deity or fertility god worshiped by Canaanite peoples, often representing the storm god associated with rain and agricultural productivity.
'azab · Hebrew Verb
To forsake, desert, or leave behind a relationship or covenant, frequently used in the context of Israel turning away from Yahweh to idols.
ab · Hebrew Noun
A common descriptive term for the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) with whom God established His covenant, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises.
This verse marks the tragic beginning of a recurring cycle in Israel's history, where, immediately after a generation of faithfulness, a new generation forgets God's deeds and succumbs to the alluring idolatry of the surrounding nations.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua leads Israel into the Promised Land
After decades in the wilderness, Joshua leads the Israelites in conquering and settling Canaan, a land filled with established cultures and their polytheistic religions.
c. 1390 BC
Death of Joshua and the Elders
Joshua, the revered leader who had guided Israel for years, passes away. With him dies the generation that had directly experienced God's mighty acts and faithfulness.
c. 1390 BC - 1070 BC— this verse
The Period of the Judges
This era is marked by cycles of Israelite apostasy, oppression by surrounding nations, their cries for deliverance, and God raising up judges to rescue them.
Ongoing
Influence of Canaanite Religion
The indigenous Canaanite religion, with its worship of deities like Baal (meaning 'lord'), focused on fertility and often involved sensuous and violent rituals, becomes increasingly attractive.
This passage warns Israel that if they disobey, they will serve other gods, directly foreshadowing the apostasy described in Judges 2:11.
Jeremiah 2:13The prophet Jeremiah calls out Israel for forsaking the Lord, the 'fountain of living waters,' and carving out broken cisterns – a powerful parallel to the people in Judges turning from God to serve Baalim.
Hosea 2:16-17This passage highlights the shift from calling God 'my Lord' (Baal) to 'my husband' (Ish), showing how the very name 'Baal' became associated with idolatry and disloyalty to God.
1 Kings 18:18Elijah confronts Israel about their spiritual adultery, accusing them of limping between two opinions and following Baal, directly referencing the kind of apostasy seen in Judges.
Psalm 106:35-39This psalm recounts Israel's history of mixing with surrounding nations and learning their practices, including worshipping their idols and shedding innocent blood, which mirrors the spiritual corruption described in Judges.
jfbJudges 2:11-19: "And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:"
Jud 2:11-19. Wickedness of the New Generation after Joshua.11-19. the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord—This chapter, together with the first eight verses of the next [Jud 2:11-3:8], contains a brief but comprehensive summary of the principles developed in the following history. An attentive consideration of them, therefore, is of the greatest importance to a right understanding…
bensonJudges 2:11: "And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:"
Jdg 2:11 . The children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord — Which marks the heinousness and impudence of their sins, above other people’s; because God’s presence was with them, and his eye upon them in a peculiar manner, which also they were not ignorant of, and therefore were guilty of more contempt of God than other people. And served Baalim — False gods, which were called by this general…
The plural "Baalim" here isn't just about worshipping different idols; it suggests they embraced a whole pantheon of "lords," chasing after every kind of power and authority besides the true Lord. This hints at a deeper craving for control and security that drove them away from God's simple provision.
This verse marks a stark turning point immediately following Joshua's death and the generation that followed him. After inheriting the Promised Land and serving God under Joshua, this new generation had never personally experienced God's mighty acts, leading them to embrace the idolatrous practices of the surrounding Canaanites, worshiping various "Baals" or "lords." This act of spiritual betrayal sets the stage for the cycle of oppression and deliverance that defines the book of Judges.
This verse marks a stark turning point immediately following Joshua's death and the generation that followed him. After inheriting the Promised Land and serving God under Joshua, this new generation had never personally experienced God's mighty acts, leading them to embrace the idolatrous practices of the surrounding Canaanites, worshiping various "Baals" or "lords." This act of spiritual betrayal sets the stage for the cycle of oppression and deliverance that defines the book of Judges.
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chawah · Hebrew Verb
To prostrate oneself or pay homage, physically expressing submission, reverence, or worship, whether directed toward God or idols.
ka'as · Hebrew Verb
To incite or irritate, frequently used to describe Israel’s idolatry triggering God's righteous indignation and disciplinary action.
"And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. And they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods…" — The plural "Baalim" here isn't just about worshipping different idols; it suggests they embraced a whole pantheon of "lords," chasing after every kind of power and authority besides the true Lord. Th…
